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broadband networks in the nation, an
affordable cost of living, the fourth-largest
university system in the U.S. and access
to the world’s busiest airport and fastest
growing port in the nation) Georgia’s
technology industry is still one of our best-
kept secrets. But it is a secret that is quickly
spreading and one that will prove a key
weapon to battle—and beat—the recession.
For more information on Georgia’s
technology industry visit:
HeadLines
Sprint and Next Star Communication
Supports Impacted Customers Following
Tornado Outbreak in Alabama
Sprint and Next Star Communication
deployed a service and repair van to
Pleasant Grove, Ala. to assist customers
impacted by the devastating tornadoes. At
the Sprint service and repair van, residents
were able to call friends and family, access
the Internet, charge batteries, triage their
devices and replace and repair as needed,
order replacement phones and initiate
insurance claims. The Sprint Emergency
Response Team (ERT) has deployed Cell
Sites on Wheels (COWs) and Satellite Cell
on Light Trucks (SatCOLTS) to provide
immediate restoration of service and help
facilitate wireless and IP communications
among disaster relief and emergency
response agencies. The Sprint Foundation
also donated $100,000 to the American Red
Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Gwinnett Daily Post Receives Awards from
Georgia Associated Press Association
The Gwinnett Daily Post won four awards
in the annual Georgia Associated Press
Association newspaper contest. Photo
editor Jason Braverman won a pair of awards
— taking second place in spot news for
his pictures of the tornado that hit Buford
last year and second place for best photo
illustration. Photographer Jonathan Phillips
placed second for best portfolio and staff
writer Josh Green placed third for beat
reporting. The Daily Post competes in the
category for the state’s largest newspapers.
LAN Systems honored with Atlanta BBB
Torch Awards
LAN Systems was recently honored with the
Atlanta BBB Torch Award for Community
Service and first runner-up for the Customer
Service award. The Torch Award honors
companies who are leaders in marketplace
trust. Each Torch Award winner embodies
BBB’s vision of an ethical marketplace
where buyers and sellers trust each other.
“LAN Systems supports and encourages
volunteerism. We applaud the efforts of our
employees to work in the community,” said
Terry Hart, COO, LAN Systems.
Georgia Gwinnett College Celebrates Largest
Commencement in its History
Georgia Gwinnett College marked its largest
commencement on June 2, as 95 graduates
became the first to march through the
college’s Arch of Knowledge to claim their
degrees. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal was
the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He evoked
the spirit of Sir Winston Churchill with a
rousing, “Never give up,” message.
“Your diploma is only a road sign in your life.
It is not a stop sign,” he said. He encouraged
the graduates to never stop learning or
working toward goals and challenges, a key
to long-term success. The event featured the
premiere performance of the GGC Alma
Mater. The song was co-written by Brittany
Dertz, Class of 2011, and Alvina Atkinson,
associate professor of mathematics, and
composed by Thomas Young, retired
associate professor of English.
The college, which opened its doors in
August 2006 to 118 students, expects an
enrollment of more than 8,000 this fall.
Rudy Bowen Named Chairman of Georgia’s
Transportation Board
Gwinnett Chamber Executive Board
Member, Rudy Bowen, was recently
re-elected as Chairman of the Georgia
Dept. of Transportation (GDOT) Board.
Bowen will lead such efforts as: naming
the Commissioner; approving long-
range transportation plans; overseeing
construction contract administration; and
authorizing lease agreements. Elected by
majority of a General Assembly caucus from
Georgia’s thirteen congressional districts,
each member serves a five-year term.
Dan: How can other companies and
business leaders adopt similar strategies
for their organizations?
Bill: Other companies and business
leaders can achieve this same level of
success by adopting strategies that focus
on their financial bottom-lines and each
key business relationship. RLG’s numerous
20 plus year client business relationships
have sustained our revenue growth and
bottom-line profit both in prosperity and
the down economy. Regardless of what the
economy is doing, we strive to out-service
the competition with exceptional quality
which delivers a win-win situation for both
our firm and our client base.
Dan: What is on the horizon for
Russell Landscape Group, particularly
with your latest ventures in China?
Bill: Russell Landscape Group
recently opened its 10th office in its fifth
southeastern state in Destin/North Florida
area. RLG is also very excited about its
future plans to open a landscape design
office in the Shanghai, China area by late
summer.
Russell Landscape Group CONTINUED
THE EXECUTIVE – SUMMER 2011
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